Funding request delayed for vets' machines

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Ohio Lottery Commission has temporarily pulled a request to fund new gambling machines after a coalition of veterans' and fraternal organizations rejected the devices to replace video raffle machines deemed illegal.

A spokeswoman says the commission is reviewing a Controlling Board request that had been scheduled for Monday related to 1,200 next-generation machines offered to the Ohio Veterans and Fraternal Charitable Coalition.

Member organizations wrote to Gov. John Kasich and state lawmakers last week saying they don't want the machines.

Coalition director Bill Seagraves says the arrangement wouldn't allow posts to generate enough for charity, so veterans are focused on a House bill that would legalize existing devices.

Attorney General Mike DeWine has declared those devices illegal, but he's delayed enforcement against clubs to allow time for compromise.